The Peugeot 408 car can already claim the title of “main design novelty of 2023”: well, a very impressive appearance! But is there anything else interesting besides the design? What versions will be offered in Ukraine? How much do they cost? But are there competitors? Now I will tell you everything!
Original and attractive “fastback”
The term “fastback” appeared in the Peugeot dictionary with the debut of the car Peugeot 508 of the current generation: it is like a mixture of a practical liftback and a stylish coupe-like silhouette. The new Peugeot 408 also uses this formula but adds ingredients from the SUV world: dark overlays on the bottom of the body, like a “protective belt” around the perimeter.
Although all-wheel drive is provided for the Peugeot 408 neither in Europe nor in Ukraine. Moreover, the Ukrainian market does not even provide a choice of engines. After all, the Peugeot 408 car will always be offered only with a 1.6-liter PureTech gasoline engine and 8-speed automatic transmission: power 215 hp, torque 300 Nm, acceleration to a hundred km in 7.9 seconds, maximum 220 km/h.
Perhaps this is the best option for Peugeot 408 in Ukraine. After all, the European range of models includes PHEV-hybrids (and they are usually expensive) and a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine (and it may be too small). So, it seems that they chose the optimum.
Fastback Peugeot 408 is built on the EMP2 platform and turned out to be quite: length – 4.69 meters; width – 1.85 meters; height – 1.48 meters; wheelbase – 2.79 meters. And all these meters look attractive and interesting. And not only from the outside but also from the inside.
The familiar and (at the same time) new Peugeot i-Cockpit interior
Inside, the driver and passengers are greeted by a interior in the Peugeot i-Cockpit style: it’s when the steering wheel is small, and the instrument panel is installed on top of it; there are many angles and straight lines; modern color displays are used. Here in the case of Peugeot 408, you have all of this; however, it was expected. How can it surprise?!
For example, pay attention to the central console – below the main central 10-inch display, there is an i-toggle: a block of touch keys-switches, whose purpose can change. And even lower there is a niche for things, a smartphone, etc. – note that this niche seems to be specially turned towards the front passenger. By the way, wireless Apple CarPlay and dual Bluetooth connection are supported.
As for the rear part of the interior, it is still difficult to assess the space without a personal meeting. However, you can already see the presence of ventilation deflectors, a central armrest, and pockets for small items. Also add a capacious trunk (505/1580 liters): in the case of the Peugeot 408, design is well combined with practicality.
The interior is attractive with a modern design, while promising comfort for passengers and practicality when transporting things. But what about the equipment?
Cost starting at UAH 1.21 million and possible competitors
So, the Peugeot 408 car will currently be offered in Ukraine with only one engine option (1.6 liter; 215 hp and 300 Nm), but it allows a choice of equipment and options: night vision, FOCAL audio, panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather.
The model range is opened by the Peugeot 408 ALLURE PACK: frontal and side airbags, side safety curtains, ABS and ESP systems, DRIVE ASSIST package (adaptive “cruise”, monitoring of “blind spots” mirrors, lane control, automatic braking, traffic sign recognition), separate 2-zone climate control, Keyless Access sensor opening, front and rear parking sensors, rearview camera, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, Fractal interior trim (fabric/leather), 10-inch 2D instrument panel display, touch 10-inch display, Eco LED headlights, 18-inch wheels. The price of Peugeot 408 1.6 PureTech 215 AT8 ALLURE PACK starts at UAH 1.21 million.
A step up is the Peugeot 408 GT, which adds the following: full LED headlights, advanced DRIVE ASSIST+ package, electric tailgate with opening sensor, AGR front seats with electric adjustment and massage, 3D digital instrument panel cluster, Alcantara interior trim, black headliner. The price of Peugeot 408 1.6 PureTech 215 AT8 GT starts at UAH 1.36 million.
What are the competitors? The shape and dimensions of the body tell us that SKODA Octavia is a competitor – but in reality, these are completely different cars in their mood and type of buyers! Hyundai i30 Fastback is closer in ideology, but a more powerful engine is needed, and the real price. And hints of a crossover won’t hurt. Put everything together and what did we get? For example, the Toyota C–HR crossover with a powerful 2-liter hybrid is a difficult competitor, even though the “Japanese” is smaller.
So: what awaits Peugeot 408 in Ukraine?
I think that the Peugeot 408 is going to be a success here. Maybe it sounds strange, but…
You see, there is always a demand for “interesting cars”. For those who are tired of the next “practical crossovers”; and at the same time for those for whom the Peugeot 508 is too big and expensive – for these potential customers, the Peugeot 408 may prove to be an interesting option for purchase. Of course, there will be few such buyers: the Peugeot 408 is unlikely to be able to show the level of sales of the bestseller Peugeot 3008. But it will definitely find its fans in Ukraine. And they will find a Peugeot 408 for themselves.
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